Meanings, origins, and popularity for girl names.
Meaning & Origin Wilma is a German short form of Wilhelmina, itself the feminine of Wilhelm, meaning “resolute protector.” Its strong roots and vintage sound have kept it in steady use across German-speaking Europe. Popularity Wilma has seen a retro revival in Germany among parents drawn to old-fashioned names with strong, clear meanings. Nicknames &…
Meaning & Origin Annika is a German and Scandinavian variant of Anna, itself from the Hebrew “Hannah,” meaning “grace” or “favor.” It has a light, melodic quality favored in Germany and across Northern Europe. Popularity Annika has been a consistently well-liked name in Germany and Sweden, admired for its graceful sound and clear connection to…
Meaning & Origin Marlene is a German blend of Maria and Magdalene, carrying the meaning “star of the sea” through its Maria roots. It became internationally recognized through the legendary actress Marlene Dietrich. Popularity Marlene has seen renewed popularity in Germany, prized for its glamorous history and elegant, flowing sound. Nicknames & Variations Common nicknames…
Meaning & Origin Ilse is a German short form of Elisabeth, tracing back to the Hebrew “Elisheva,” meaning “God is my oath.” It has a crisp, understated elegance rooted deeply in German-speaking culture. Popularity Ilse has traditionally been popular across Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands, and continues to appeal to parents seeking a short, historically…
Meaning & Origin Johanna is the German feminine form of Johannes (John), coming from the Hebrew “Yochanan,” meaning “God is gracious.” It’s a classic, dignified name used across German-speaking Europe for centuries. Popularity Johanna remains a steady, well-regarded choice in Germany, Austria, and Scandinavia, favored for its timeless, elegant sound and strong meaning. Nicknames &…
Meaning & Origin Greta is a German short form of Margarete, itself from the Greek “margarites,” meaning “pearl.” It has a crisp, distinctive sound that has carried it well beyond German-speaking countries. Popularity Greta has long been popular in Germany and Scandinavia and has gained fresh international attention in recent years, appealing to parents who…
Meaning & Origin Frieda comes from the Old German “fridu,” meaning “peace.” It was historically used both alone and as a short form of longer names like Friederike, and carries strong associations with German heritage and gentle strength. Popularity Frieda has enjoyed a vintage revival in Germany and beyond, appealing to parents who want a…
Meaning & Origin Lena is a short form of names like Helena or Magdalena, ultimately tracing back to Greek roots meaning “light” or “bright one.” It’s a long-established favorite across Germany and Northern Europe. Popularity Lena has remained a steady top choice among German parents for decades, valued for its clean, gentle sound and easy…
Meaning & Origin Genevieve is a French name meaning “woman of the people” or “white wave,” borne by the patron saint of Paris. Popularity Genevieve has held elegant, steady popularity in France and the U.S., favored for its graceful sound and nickname Evie. Nicknames & Variations Common nicknames include Evie, Gen, and Vivi. Variant spelling…
Meaning & Origin Eloise is a French name meaning “healthy” or “wide,” a variant of Louise, carrying romantic literary weight from the medieval love story of Abelard and Heloise. Popularity Eloise has grown steadily in the U.S. since the 2010s, part of the vintage French-name revival. Nicknames & Variations Common nicknames include Elle and Lulu….